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Monday, March 3, 2014

Do Not Defame the Body of Christ

“For this reason, ever since I heard about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all God's people, I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers.” Ephesians 1:15-16 (NIV)

“But, he is not MY GOD.” These are often the words we hear when there is a discussion of an interpretation of Jesus Christ.

This morning, I read posts and rebut-posts on Facebook about the new movie, “Son of God.” Honestly, I have not seen it, but plan to. The movie is not at the center of this Prayer Therapy devotional. My concern is the need for some to defame the body of Christ, to lift up their own “true and only” understanding of the Lord.

God speaks to each us, revealing himself within the context of our own lives. Each of us sees the Lord and experiences the Holy Spirit, from a unique perspective. Does that mean our small image of Christ is the full picture of the Lord? How arrogant can we be?

A particular movie or book may be just the words and images that someone needs. Does that mean, that vehicle on which the Lord rides into someone’s life is the only superhighway of the King? Give me a break. There is no way any one of us can experience all there is of Jesus. He is so much bigger than we are. An artful interpretation of scripture may not tick-off all the boxes on the scorecard we keep, but if it meets just one person’s need for Him, it is worth it.

Rather than defaming the author’s or producer’s efforts to bring Christ to damaged souls, try lifting up the good that is present. Thank the Lord that there are people, brave enough in our time in history, to introduce Jesus to others. Do not stop giving thanks for their courage and keep them daily in your prayers. Let us pray:

“Holy Father, Abba to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, we bow in humility in your presence. May your truth flow into our souls so that we become enablers of your words and not defamers. Let this be the day when we lay aside all self-aggrandizement and acknowledge that you are so much bigger than any of our experiences of you. Forgive us when we fail to lift up those who have the courage to introduce you to a hurting and thirsty world. May thanksgiving for their courage always be in our hearts and prayers for their unique ministry always leave our lips. In the name of Jesus, who continues to seek the lost and wandering, I pray. Amen”
Doris
"God gives us stories that testify to His love. Let me tell you mine.”
Copyright 2014 Doris Gaines Rapp

Doris Gaines Rapp - Author and Daniel's House Publishing

Romans 12:10-13

"Be devoted to one another in brotherly (sisterly) love. Honor one another above yourselves. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Share with God's people who are in need. Practice hospitality."

About Me

Doris Gaines Rapp is an author, psychologist, and speaker. Writing credits include why-not book: Promote Yourself; a first novel,Length of Days - The Age of Silence; Y/A novel - Escape from the Belfry; a Prayer Therapy Blog - www.prayertherapyrapp.blogspot.com; and many articles for an on-line magazine.

Book Order Information

To order the book on Prayer Therapy, A Magnificat For A New Millennium, send check or money order (made out to Dr. Doris Rapp) for $9.95 plus $3.50 Shipping and Handling, to: Doris Rapp, P.O. Box 623, Huntington, IN 46750.